PRESS RELEASEAugust 17th 2019

The Aloha Classic has been granted a permit by the County of Maui for a low impact 5 consecutive day event within the 2 week advertised window (Oct 27 – Nov 9).

Gaining this permit approval was very challenging because the County of Maui has serious concerns about park safety with so many extra people trying to use the park during the full 14 day event window. After a tragic death in the lower car park area last year (not related to the Aloha Classic or windsurfing activity), the issue of safety remains uppermost in everyone’s minds and it was essential that the County and event organizers found a way to limit the risks to the local community around the event.

The permit for 5 consecutive (days within the 14 day window) will allow a full 48 Pro-Men bracket, a full 24 Pro-Women bracket, and a full 16 Youth bracket to be completed in the premier conditions that Ho’okipa has to offer. The low impact permit secures the 35 year tradition of The Aloha Classic and ensures that the most prestigious event in the windsurfing world continues to inspire us all.

Unfortunately, the 5 day low impact permit does not allow enough time for Amateur, Master, and Grand Master divisions to complete a full set of heat brackets. The County of Maui and event organizers are very sad to report that these three wonderful and popular divisions will not be included in this years Aloha Classic due to these time constraints arising from community safety concerns. This will be a huge disappointment for many windsurfers who had planned to compete.

The Aloha Classic will once again be beamed live around the world with the best riders, the best commentators, the best footage from land, water, and air and the best windsurfing natural arena in the world. Tune in and cheer for the greatest show on earth: The Aloha Classic.

Note: Any registrations already paid by riders from the Amateur, Master and Grand Master divisions will be refunded in full, and the County and event organizers sincerely apologize that more time was not possible for this years Aloha Classic.